September 20: The urban areas of Nepal generate around one million tonnes of garbage annually, according to the data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics on Sunday.

As per the study report prepared by the bureau, the residential areas generate most of the garbage in the country.

Out of the total garbage produced in the country, the residential areas are responsible for producing 386,690 tonnes of wastages while the business area generates 245,884 tonnes of garbage. Similarly, 103,244 tonnes of garbage are released by educational institutions and 94,392 tonnes by the industrial areas. Likewise, health sector generates 101,507 tonnes of wastage while 66,220 toones of garbage come out from other areas, the bureau informed.    

According to the bureau, a total of 389,983 tonnes (39 percent) of garbage are sent to landfill site, 315,069 tonnes (31 percent) are dumped in riverbanks and riverside while 22,075 tonnes (2 percent) of garbage are burnt down.    

According to the study report, most of the garbage generated in the country are of organic nature. Such garbage are a result of agricultural wastage.

Other waste products such as plastic, metals and paper amounting to 8,690 tonnes can be recycled, says the report.

The report suggests capacity enhancement of the professionals and stakeholders working in waste management sector to for proper classification, management and reuse of waste matters in accordance to the international standards.    

The bureau had conducted a survey on wastage production, collection and management around three years ago.